Auxiliary grips for firearms

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are firearms and grips for firearms. An example grip includes an ergonomic grip element with a plurality of operative positions that overhang from the firearm. The example grip element is rotatable about an axis of rotation, which is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the bore of the firearm, to one of the plurality of operative positions.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.No. 61/038,320, filed Mar. 20, 2008, and also to German PatentApplication 10 2008 007 341.5, filed on Feb. 4, 2008, both of which arehereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates generally to firearms, and, more particularly,to auxiliary grips for handheld firearms.

BACKGROUND

With rapid rate firearms, a marksman typically grasps a hand guardrunning in a longitudinal direction of a weapon scope with a hand thatis not actuating the trigger. However, grasping such a hand guardtypically does not provide enough support to reliably align the weaponand/or pull the weapon onto the shoulder of the marksman. Auxiliarygrips are frequently fastened in the front region of the weapon—often inthe area of the hand guard—to be grasped by the hand that is notactuating the trigger to improve a grasping and holding of the weaponwith both hands. Auxiliary grips for firearms, in particular forshoulder-supported assault rifles, sub-machine guns and machine guns,have been known for decades.

Such auxiliary grips are often assembled onto a firearm via dovetailprofiles or prism rails fastened or constructed on the weapon. A footfitting such rails is slipped onto the weapon and mounted or clamped bymeans of, for example, screws, a pin or a lever.

Typically military weapons use Picatinny rails as profile rails. For thefastening of auxiliary elements on the Picatinny rails, the Picatinnyrails typically have transverse slots exposed to the outside. Picatinnyrails can be removably arranged on the top side, the lateral sidesand/or the underside of a weapon.

Known grips have been described in various publications. For example, WO2004/068057 and WO 2005/019762 A2 describe pivotable front grips havinground cross-sections arranged on a hand guard of a rapid-fire weapon.These front grips can be swiveled around the axis of the bore of theweapon or around the hand guard; however also around their ownlongitudinal axis.

Additionally a rigid front grip for a hand firearm is known from U.S.Pat. No. 6,487,807 B1, said grip having a round cross-section and beingconvertible into a tripod and being altogether removable. In itsoperating position as a tripod, three legs are swiveled downward via ahinge mechanism. As a result, the marksman can prop the firearm on thetripod for sighting and—via a movable ball and socket joint—align saidfirearm by means of turning and/or swiveling.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,946,842 shows a grip coupled to a weapon at an oblongrecess. The grip can be swiveled around a pivot/hinge pin runningdiagonally to the axis of the bore; to be precise the grip can beswiveled between its resting position—resting on the weapon (i.e., inthe oblong recess)—and its operative position—overhanging almostperpendicular from the weapon.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,826,848 shows a hand firearm with a front grip that isarranged on the repeater/repeating shaft and can be swiveled around theaxis of the bore. This grip includes an ergonomically designed gripelement, which is slipped on a sleeve.

Finally U.S. Pat. No. 5,417,002 shows a hand firearm with a removablefront grip that is fastened on the front shaft, fixed there via anunlockable/lockable mortise and tenon joint with the help of a pushbutton spring mechanism and can be swiveled in different positionsaround the hand guard or around the axis of the bore.

Such known auxiliary grips have many advantages; however such auxiliarygrips also have the disadvantage that they are awkward and uncomfortablein operation. Firing with known auxiliary grips is strenuous and canlead to cramps and muscle irritations. This can be unpleasant for theuser, in particular when patrolling for hours with a weapon pointeddown, but also after the long impact of the weapon when positioned forreadiness for battle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a portion of an example weapon with an exampleauxiliary grip mounted on a Picatinny rail.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the encircled D region of FIG. 1, showingthe example auxiliary grip of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the example weapon of FIG.1 from the rear right with the example auxiliary grip aligned with thebarrel.

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 with the example auxiliary griptwisted with respect to the barrel.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of the example auxiliary grip ofFIG. 1 showing an example catch/lock in a released state.

FIG. 5 a is a partial cross-sectional view of the example auxiliary gripshown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 b is a schematic representation of an alternative example toolinterface of the example auxiliary grip shown in FIGS. 5 and 5 a;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view from beneath of the example auxiliary gripof FIG. 1 separated from an example connection element.

FIG. 7 is perspective view of the example connection element of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 a shows an example auxiliary grip with an alternative lockingmechanism.

FIG. 8 b shows an example auxiliary grip with an additional alternativelocking mechanism.

FIG. 8 c is a cross-sectional view of the example auxiliary grip of FIG.8 b taken along the C-C line of FIG. 8 b.

FIG. 9 is yet another illustration of an example auxiliary grip with anyet another additional alternative locking mechanism.

FIG. 10 a is still another illustration of an example auxiliary gripwith another additional alternative locking mechanism.

FIG. 10 b is a cross-sectional view of the example auxiliary grip ofFIG. 10 a taken along the D-D line of FIG. 10 a.

FIG. 11 a is still another illustration of an example auxiliary gripwith an additional alternative locking mechanism.

FIG. 11 b is a cross-sectional view of the example auxiliary grip ofFIG. 11 a taken along the E-E line of FIG. 11 a.

FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional representation of an exampleauxiliary grip with an example ball and socket joint fastened to aPicatinny rail.

FIG. 13 a shows a further example auxiliary grip with a further examplealternative ball and socket joint arrangement.

FIG. 13 b is a cross-sectional view the example auxiliary grip of FIG.13 a.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of still another alternative exampleauxiliary grip with yet another alternative example ball and socketjoint arrangement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Throughout this description, all positional terms such as, for example“top,” “right”, “back” or “in front” are made in the context of afirearm held in a normal firing and shooting position with a horizontalbarrel. The reference point is always the position of the weapon duringthe process of shooting, at which “in front” refers to the “shootingdirection.”

This description relates to auxiliary grips for hand firearms, alsocalled “storm grips” that have an ergonomic grip element. The gripoverhangs at about a right angle from the barrel of the hand firearmwhen in an operative position.

The term “ergonomic grip element” describes a grip element type thatincludes an outer contour that is, or may be adapted to the innercontour of a hand in a gripping position. Accordingly, the cross-sectionof such a grip element is not round, but rather another non-circularshape such as, for example, oval, rectangular, rectangularly roundedoff, polygonal or the like. This shape improves the hold of the hand onthe grip. The term “ergonomic grip element” may also refer to grips thatare slightly inclined to the front or the rear when in an operativeposition relative to a vertical axis to the axis of the bore definedthrough the weapon scope. The cross-sectional contour of these examplegrips may be symmetrical—e.g. in the case of rectangular or ovalcross-sectional profiles; however, the cross-sectional contour may alsobe asymmetrical—e.g. in the case of one-sided flat surfaces or profilesfor adaptation to the inside contour of the clutching hand of themarksman.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a portion of an example weapon with an exampleauxiliary grip 1 mounted on a Picatinny rail 3. The example grip 1 shownin FIG. 1 is an ergonomic auxiliary grip 1 shown from a lateral view.The Picatinny rail 3 may be, for example, a MIL-STD-1913 “Picatinny,”which is mounted to the underside of a hand guard 5 of a weapon 7. Theauxiliary grip 1 overhangs downward from the weapon 7 and is slightlyinclined to the rear to an axis of rotation or adjustment 26.

The hand guard 5 is coupled around the barrel 6 of the weapon 7 andincludes, in this example, two lateral Picatinny rails 19 a and 19 b(rail 19 b is on an opposite side of the weapon 7 from rail 19 a), andone upper Picatinny rail 19 c on a topside of the weapon 7. The lowerPicatinny rail 3 extends parallel to the axis of a bore 8 of the barrel6 from a magazine compartment 9 to an end of the hand guard 5. The upperPicatinny rail 19 c bears a sighting device 21.

The example weapon 7 also includes a trigger 13 arranged within atrigger guard 11. Further, there is a rear grip 15 also included.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the encircled D region of FIG. 1, showingthe example auxiliary grip 1 of FIG. 1. The example auxiliary grip 1includes an outer grip element 23, which forms the grip base, anadjustment device 25 and a base plate 27. The example adjustment device25 is used to adjust or turn the grip element 23 around the axis ofadjustment 26 and/or about a longitudinal axis of the grip 26 a (i.e.,another example axis of rotation). In this example, the longitudinalaxis of the grip 26 a is inclined by 15° to the axis of adjustment 26.In other examples, the inclination of the longitudinal axis of the grip26 a to the axis of adjustment 26 range from 5-30°, preferably 10-20°.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate movement of the example grip 1 about the axisof adjustment 26. In FIG. 3, the grip 1 is aligned with the barrel 6 sothat an axis transverse to the axis of adjustment 26 is parallel to theaxis of the bore 8. In FIG. 4, the grip 1 is turned about the axis ofadjustment and the transverse axis of the grip 1 is no longer parallelto the axis of the bore 8.

The example grip element 23 includes several interchangeable grip panelelements: a grip back strap 31, a grip front 33 and two grip flankelements 35. The grip panels 31, 33 and 35 together form an asymmetricaloval-like ergonomic grip profile. The grip element 23 and/or the grippanel elements 31, 33 and 35 may be made of a dimensionally stable,fiber-reinforced synthetic material, but may also be produced of othersuitable materials such as, for example, a light metal.

The grip panel elements 31, 33 and 35 are interchangeable with otherpanel parts of alternative sizes and/or shapes, so that the grip profileof the grip element 23 can be adapted to the anatomy of the hand of therespective marksman and/or to the use of the weapon 7. In addition, thegrip panel elements 31, 33 and 35 may be slipped on the auxiliary grip 1from below or laterally such as, for example in grooves or guide rails(not shown). The grip panel elements 31, 33 and 35 may also be fixed viaone or more (not shown) spring-loaded pin(s), snap-on connections or anyother suitable mechanical or chemical fasteners.

In addition, in other examples, instead of the multiple interchangeablegrip panel elements, a one-piece grip element, for example constructedas a U-shaped “receiver cover” (not shown) may be used. Such a gripelement includes two rockers that correspond to the above described gripflank elements 35, and a yoke element coupling the rockers. The yokeelement is able to form the grip back strap 31 and/or the grip front 33.The example grip element 23 may also alternatively be constructed as aone-piece, sleeve-like component without grip panel elements, similar toa tool grip.

In the illustrated example, there is a two-part structure shown betweenthe grip element 23 and the adjustment device 25. Alternatively, theadjustment device 25 may also be molded in one piece on the grip element23.

The example adjustment device 25 includes a connection element designedas a counter holder or adapter 43 (FIGS. 5, 5 a, 5 b and 6). Theconnection element 43 includes s on its topside 43 a an interface to theweapon 7 and on its underside 43 b, the connection element 43 includesan annular toothed locking plate 45 a as the upper part of the rotatingadjustment device 25. A complementary toothed counter-locking plate 45 bof the adjustment device 25 is coupled (e.g., firmly fixed) to the gripelement 23, for example via an adhesive, welded or other type ofsuitable coupling. However, in other examples, the complementary toothedcounter-locking plate 45 may also be integrally constructed with thegrip element 23. The locking plates 45 a, 45 b form the interfacebetween the adapter 43 and the grip element 23. In addition, the lockingplates 45 a, 45 b may be made of metal, plastic and/or other suitablematerials.

For the fastening the example auxiliary grip 1 to the Picatinny rail 3,the adapter 43 includes a shoe-like formation 36 (FIG. 7) complementaryto one of the rails of the Picatinny rail 3. The formation 36 is formedon the topside 43 a of the adapter 43 pointing to the Picatinny rail 3.The formation includes two lateral engagement rockers 37 for coupling tocorresponding flanks 42 of the Picatinny rail 3. The adapter 43 isslipped from the front or from the rear onto the Picatinny rail 3. Theengagement rockers 37 fit with their inner surfaces on the correspondingdovetail-like outer areas of the flanks 42 of the Picatinny rail 3.

In the illustrated example, the example adapter 43 is coupled to thePicatinny rail 3 and, thus, to the weapon 3 via one or more screws 39.The screws 39 secure the adapter 43 at a right angle to the axis of thebore 8 (i.e., the fasteners run at a right able to the axis of thebore). In other examples, any suitable fastening means (at any suitableangle) may be used in addition or as an alternative to the screws 39.

The screws 39 can be clamped, locked, tensioned via a head formed as adial adjustment (not shown) or with a tool, for example an Allen wrenchor screwdriver, or also with a spring-loaded bolt and/or with some otherquick clamp. The screws 39 may also be loosened to enable the adapter 43(and the grip elements 23) to be shifted slightly to the front or to therear on the Picatinny rail 3. In addition, the auxiliary grip 23 andadapter 43 are removed from the Picatinny rail 3 by means of looseningthe screws 39 until the adapter 43 can clear the Picatinny rail 3. In analternative example (not shown), the adapter 43 serving as a connectionelement to the weapon 7 may include a projecting part (not shown), forexample a cam-like locking pin, arranged between the engagement rockers37. The locking pin engages in a corresponding receiving opening (notshown) in the Picatinny rail 3 and additional support to positively fixthe adapter 43 in the direction of the axis of the bore 8. Theprojecting part may also be constructed as a spring-loaded bolt. Thereceiving opening may be a borehole or also one of the transverse slots41 (running between the projection parts or flanks 42 at regularintervals) of the Picatinny rail 3.

In yet another alternative example (not shown), a quick clamp withmovable or partially movable profile elements, e.g. diagonallyadjustable engagement rockers like the illustrated rockers 37 may alsobe used.

For the adjustment of the example grip element 23 to different operativepositions the adjustment device 25 includes, on the adapter underside 43b, the annular toothed locking plate 45 a and, on the topside of thegrip element 23, the complementary toothed counter-locking plate 45 b.The grip element 23 can, thus, be turned in different operativepositions and can be detachably locked in a respective operativeposition. In FIGS. 2, 5 and 6, the two complementarylocking/counter-locking plates 45 a, 45 b are shown locked (FIG. 2),released (FIG. 5) or separated from each other (FIG. 6). The variousoperative positions of the example grip element 23 are defined by therotational angular position of the grip 23 and the tooth intervalsaround the axis of adjustment 26. Locking plate 45 a and counter-lockingplate 45 b interlock with their tooth profiles when they are bracedagainst each other via a tensioning device designed here as a screw 49(though any suitable fastener may be used as well). The minimum angle ofrotation by which the two adjacent operative positions differcorresponds to exactly one tooth interval.

As shown more precisely in FIGS. 5, 5 a and 5 b, the adjustment andmutual locking of the locking plates 45 a, b takes place by means of theloosening/tightening of the screw 49 via a tool (e.g. Allen wrench 48).The screw 49 protrudes with a thread segment 49 a from below through arecess in the counter-locking plate 45 b into a corresponding thread inthe locking plate 45 a and counter-locking plate 45 b on the adapter 43.For loosening, the screw 49 is unscrewed so far that the teeth of thelocking plate 45 a and of the counter-locking plate 45 b disengage. Thegrip element 23 may then be twisted or rotated around the axis ofadjustment 26 to a desired position and fixed again by means oftightening the screw 49. When tightened, the screw head 49 b of thescrew 49 presses the teeth of the counter-locking plate 45 b. In otherwords, the screw 49 engages with its head 49 b on a surface of thecounter-locking plate 45 b opposite the teeth, and the screw 49 issupported with its (outer) thread 49 a in a complementary thread in thelocking plate 45 a. The screw head 49 b is accessible with the help ofthe tool 48 through the base plate 27 and the hollow interior 28 of thegrip element 23. The locking plates 45 a, b are again in engagement withtheir notches/teeth when the screw 49 is tightened. In the illustratedexample, the locking plate 45 a and the counter-locking plate 45 b havea crown-like running tooth profile on their outer edge.

In other example designs shaft, trapeze or rectangular profiles can alsobe provided. The angular increments in which the grip element 23 can beadjusted around the axis of adjustment 26, depend oil the profileseparation. In the case of a coarse or rough separation, the angularincrements are relatively large; in the case of fine separation, anearly infinite adjustability is given. Finally, there are also designsin which friction elements are arranged in place of the locking platesand counter-locking plates, which, in similar fashion, can be clampedagainst each other via the screw 49 or any other suitable fasteningmeans. Also the frictional engagement produced guarantees the requiredfixation of the grip element 23 in a desired operative position.

So that the Allen wrench 48 (or other tool) can be introduced diagonallyto the axis of adjustment 26 and operated (FIG. 6), the Allen wrench 48in FIG. 5 a is provide with a ball head 48 a. FIG. 5 b shows a design inwhich the screw head 49 b is gimbal mounted to a tool holding fixture 49c, which in turn is pivoted in the interior 28 of the grip element 23.The tool holding fixture 49 c is inclined to the axis of adjustment 26in such a way that a standard Allen wrench 48 can be used for actuationof the screw 49. The Allen wrench may also be inserted into the gripelement 23 at an angle that is inclined to the axis of adjustment 26.

FIGS. 8 a-c show the example auxiliary grip 23 with an alternativelocking mechanism. In FIG. 8 a, the example locking mechanism is aspring-loaded locking pin 101 that may be released and fixed to/with alocking plate 110. In FIG. 8 b, the example locking mechanism is analternative spring-loaded locking pin 201 that may be released and fixedto/with the locking plate 110. The spring-loaded locking pin 101, 201and a locking plate 110 are used in place of the locking/counter-lockingplates 45 a, 45 b or friction plates. When the locking pin 101, 201 ispulled against the force of a spring 102, 202 out from the locking plate110, the grip element 23 is decoupled from the adapter 43 and rotatableabout the axis of adjustment 26 with respect to the adapter 43.

Turning, in particular, to the example illustrated in FIG. 8 a, thelocking pin 101 is held in a locking position via a compression spring102, which is supported between the grip element 23 and a collar 103 onthe locking pin 101. An operating end 104 protrudes to the rear out ofthe grip element 23, where the operating end 104 can be operated. Thegrip element 23 is coupled to the adapter 43 via a shaft screw 105 thatis rotatable with respect to the adapter 43. On the adapter 43, aperforated locking plate 110 is fastened or constructed. In the lockingplate 110, holes 111 are provide at intervals (e.g., regularly spacedintervals) over the periphery (see, e.g., FIG. 8 c). If the locking pin101 engages in one of the recess or holes 111 in the locking plate 110,the grip element 23 is fixed in a rotating position around the axis ofadjustment 26 relative to the adapter 43 and, thus, to the weapon. Torelease/loosen the locking pin 101, the operating end 104 is pulled outagainst the spring force down from the hole 111 so that the grip element23 maybe rotated around the axis of adjustment 26. After the gripelement 23 is brought into a desired rotating position, the operatingend 104 is released and the locking pin 101 again engages the hole 111corresponding to the desired rotating position to fix the position ofthe grip element 23.

Now turning to the example shown in FIG. 8 b, the example lockingmechanism in FIG. 8 b functions similarly to that of FIG. 8 a. Thelocking pin 201 has an operating end 204 that protrudes from the gripelement 23. An end of the locking pin extends into the recess or holes111 in the locking plate 110, and an opposite end of the locking pin 201extends in the other direction and beyond the operating end 204 into ablind hole 223, in which the compression spring 202 is arranged. Thecompression spring presses the locking pin 201 into the correspondinghole 111 in the locking plate 110, as noted above. In the case of thedesign shown in FIG. 8 b, the locking pin 201 is guided over a greaterlength (than the locking pin 111 of FIG. 8 a) and does not easily jam ifa force is applied to the grip element 23 around the axis of adjustmentand the locking pin 201 is in a locked position. FIG. 8 c is across-sectional view of the example shown in FIG. 8 b taken along theC-C line of FIG. 8 b. In particular, as noted above, FIG. 8 cillustrates the distribution of the holes 111 in the locking plate 110.

FIG. 9 illustrates another example locking mechanism for use with theexample grip element 23. The example shown in FIG. 9 includes a lockingnose 301 constructed on the grip element 23 that engages in acorresponding recess or hole 111 of the locking plate 110 and fixes thegrip element 23 opposite the adapter 43 of the weapon 7. The gripelement 23 is coupled to the adapter 43 via a shaft screw 305, where theshaft screw 305 is screwed into the adapter 43 with a thread end 305 a.Though a shaft screw 305 is described, any other suitable fastener maybe used in addition or as an alternative to the shaft screw 305 torotatably couple the grip element 23 and the adapter 43. With a guideshaft 305 b, the shaft screw 305 penetrates a corresponding opening 323in the grip element 23, the diameter of which corresponds to that of theshaft region 305. A spring 302 is supported with a lower end on a head305 c of the shaft screw 305. An opposite end of the spring 302 appliesa force against an edge of the opening 323 and presses the grip element23, from the inside, upward against the adapter 43 and the locking plate110. In turn, the locking nose 301 is pressed into the recess or hole111. To release/loosen the grip 23, the pulled axially downward in thedirection of the axis of adjustment 26 to compress the spring 302 andretract the locking nose 301 from the hole 111. After the locking nose301 has cleared the hole 111, the grip element 23 can be rotated aroundthe axis 26 to another desired position, and the locking nose 301 mayengage another corresponding hole 111 to lock the grip element 23 in atorque-proof manner in the desired position. In another example, thespring 302 may be used in combination with the locking plates 45 a or 45b or other friction plates described herein as an alternative to thelocking nose 301, the locking plate 110 and the holes 111 shown in FIG.9

FIGS. 10 a and 10 b show a further example locking mechanism. Here aspring-loaded locking ball 401 is provide in the grip element 23, thelocking ball is pressed by a compression spring 402 into a seat 403 sothat a ball segment protrudes upward out of this seat 403 and protrudesinto a corresponding recess or locking opening 411 in a locking plate410. The grip element 23 is rotatably coupled to the adapter 43 via ashaft screw 105, though any other suitable fastener may be used inaddition or as an alternative to the shaft screw 105. For adjustment orrotation of the grip element 23 only the spring force exerting thelocking effect via the locking ball 401 must be overcome. When the forceof the spring 402 is overcome, the locking ball 401 disengages from thelocking opening 411 and glides along the locking plate 410 until thelocking ball again engages in another corresponding locking opening 411and noticeably locks therein.

FIG. 10 b shows an example stop mechanism that is coupled to the examplelocking mechanism shown in FIG. 10 a. In this example, a nose 423 isconstructed on the grip element 23, that protrudes into a recess 412 inthe edge of the locking plate 410. End areas 414 on the locking plate410 delimit the recess 412 and serve as end stops for the nose 423.Thus, the end areas 414 define the swiveling range of the grip element23. Simultaneously, these swiveling positions have corresponding lockingopenings 411, via which the grip element 23 is fixed in the respectiveswiveling positions via the locking ball 401. Such an arrangement isadvantageous when the grip element 23 is only to be adjusted between tworotating positions around the axis of adjustment 26 such s, for example,between a stop position (shoulder stop), in which case the grip element23 is to be aligned as shown in FIG. 3 and a ready position, in whichthe grip element 23 is aligned as shown in FIG. 4. The combination ofthe locking ball mechanism with the stop mechanism allows a reliableadjustment with repeatable accuracy in the simplest operation.

FIGS. 11 a and 11 b show a further illustration of another example. Inthis example, the grip element 23 is rotatably fixed to the adapter 43via a shaft screw 105, as described above. On the back of the gripelement 23, a locking lever pr rocker 501 is provided that is pivotedvia a shaft 503 in the grip element 23 and that runs between anoperating end 501 a and a locking end 501 b. On the operating end 501, acompression spring 502 engages the locking rocker 501. The compressionspring 502 is held in a recess 504 in the grip element 23 by a mandrel501 c protruding into the interior of the spring 502. The spring 502applies a force to he operating end 501 a of the locking rocker 501press the locking end 501 b into a corresponding recess 511 in the edgeof the locking plate 510, which is firmly coupled to the adapter 43. Toadjust the position of the grip element 23, the operating end 501 a ispressed against the force of the spring 502 into a corresponding recess506 in the grip element 23. This causes the locking rocker 501 toswivels around a shaft 503 to release the locking end 501 b from therecess 511. The grip element 23 can be adjusted/rotated around the axisof adjustment 26. When the operating end 501 a is released, the lockingend 501 b engages another recess 511 (if aligned) or a radial surface512 of the locking plate 510. If the locking end 501 b engages theradial surface 512, the locking plate glides upon further rotation ofthe grip element 23 along the locking plate 510 until the locking end501 b engages in the next locking recess 511 to fix the grip element 23in the corresponding rotating position.

FIG. 12 shows a further example alternative auxiliary grip 1′ with aball and socket joint 55. This example includes a ball 54 coupled to theadapter 43—in turn serving as a connection element. The ball 54 iscoupled to the adapter 43 via, for example, a thread 58. However anyother suitable mechanical or chemical fastener may be used as well. Thegrip element 23 includes a guide shell 53 in the interior. The ball 54may be frictionally fixed on the interior of the guide shell via, forexample, a clamping pan 59. The clamping pan 59 is loosened or fixed viaa fastening element or screw 57 penetrating the housing, though anyother suitable tool may be used as well such as, for example, aspring-loaded bolt, to detachably couple the grip element 23 and theball 54. A similar example is shown in FIGS. 13 a and 13 b.

The grip element 23 that is coupled to the adapter 43 via the ball andsocket joint 55 of FIGS. 12, 13 a and 13 b may be rotated not around theaxis of adjustment 26, but also in all directions around the ball 54.

When the screw 57 is in a loosened state so that the pan 59 is notimmovable, or near-immovably coupled to the ball 54, the grip element 23may be rotated/swiveled in all directions to a desired position set bythe user. When the grip element 23 is in a desired position, the screw57 is tightened to tension the clamping pan 59 against the ball 54 andguide shell 53 to fix the desired operative position. In this example,the head 61 of the screw 57, which is at the bottom of the grip element23, is constructed as a knurl 61. The knurl 61 lies in a recess 63 inthe bottom of the grip element 23. An edge of the knurl 61 slightlyoverhangs the profile of the grip element 23 so that the screw 57 can beloosened or fixed by engagement/rotation of the peripheral edge of theknurl 61. Additionally, a recess (not shown) may be constructed in thehead 61, into which a tool (e.g., a screwdriver, a coin, etc.) may beinserted for turning of the screw 57.

As noted above, FIGS. 13 a and 13 b show an example with similaritieswith the example shown in FIG. 12. The example of FIGS. 13 a and 13 bincludes a ball and socket joint that has a clamping pan 59′ that isguided in a linear guide 67 in the grip element 23. The example alsoincludes the fastening element or screw 57, which is arranged in thedirection of the axis of adjustment 26 and may be rotated in the gripelement 23 via a bearing 69. However, in this example, the screw 69 isfixed in axial direction. When the knurl 61 and, thus, the screw 57 isturned, the clamping pan 59′ moves in linear fashion in the linear guide67 in accordance with the pitch of a thread 60. Eventually, depending onthe direction of rotation of the knurl and the extent of rotation (i.e.,extent of linear movement of the clamping pan 59′), the clamping pan 59′clamps or releases the ball 54.

FIG. 14 illustrates another example in which the grip element 23 isrotatable in a plurality of directions with respect to the adapter 43and, thus, the weapon 7. In this example shown in FIG. 14, the linearguide 67 runs diagonally with respect to the axis of adjustment 26. Thethread segment 60 of the fastening element or screw 57 is coupled to theknurl 61 via a universal or a cardan joint 70, Further, the knurl 61 isrotatable but axially fixed in the bearing 69.

In alternative examples, any component of any example described hereinmay be combined with or used as replacements for other components inother examples. For example, the stop mechanism shown in FIGS. 10 a and10 b may also be used in combination with the examples shown in FIGS.5-6; 8 a-c; 9; 11 a and b and FIGS. 12-14. Furthermore, these examplesare not restricted to the design with the locking ball 401 (FIGS. 8a-c).

In addition, the upper locking plate 45 a, the locking plate 110, 410,510 and the ball 54 or the ball and socket joint 55 may also be mounteddirectly on the weapon 7 without any connection element (thus withoutthe adapter 43) such as, for example, by means of a weld, screw orotherwise suitable connection.

As noted above, the examples described herein provide an improvedauxiliary grip that enables a safe and comfortable operation of afirearm.

The examples described herein include the auxiliary grip 1′, which canbe brought into different operative positions and is designedergonomically. Through the adjustability to different operativepositions via a rotating and/or swiveling movement around an axis ofadjustment 26′ running diagonally to the axis of the bore 8 of the handfirearm 7, the auxiliary grip 1′ can be brought into a position thatapproaches/meets the natural hand position of the hand gripping theauxiliary grip 1′ (usually the marksman's hand that is toward thefront). The auxiliary grip 19 can, thus, be rotated individually aroundthe axis of adjustment 26, 26′ between the operative positions, so thatthe grip profile can be brought to the desired position. This allows anoperation that is lower in fatigue particularly with the ergonomic gripprofiles.

As described herein, the examples auxiliary grip 1′ provides forenhanced gripping/grasping of the weapon 7 in an ergonomically favorableand fatigue-proof manner in a variety of positions such as, for example,when holding the weapon 1 with hip contact, in ready a position, and/orwith the weapon 7 pulled firmly into the shoulder for sustained fire.The example auxiliary grip 1′ gives the hand a steady/stable grip/holdand prevents burns from the barrel 8, which may become hot after severalrounds of firing (e.g., with semiautomatic weapons).

The example auxiliary grip 1′ may be adjusted to an individuallyselectable operative position in which the grip profile fits into thegripping hand without a strained position of the wrist. It is suitablefor various hand firearms and can be mounted directly to the barrel 8 oralso to the hand guard or a profile rail 3 of the weapon 7.

As noted above, in some examples the grip element 2 is rotatable aboutthe axis of adjustment 26 that is substantially perpendicular to theaxis of the bore 8. In other examples, the grip element 23 is alsorotatable/swivelable about the longitudinal axis of the grip 26′. Thelongitudinal axis of adjustment of the grip 26′ may be inclined (e.g.,slightly inclined) to the front or to the rear to the axis of the bore8.

The natural hand position of a user does not run parallel, but ratherdiagonally, to the axis of the bore 8 of a weapon 7. Hence the handposition with an individually adjustable front grip that can be rotatedaround the axis of grip 1′ is significantly more relaxed and natural.This is significantly more pleasant for a user, in particular whenpatrolling for hours with a weapon pointed down, but also when in longcontact/impact with a weapon when positioned in readiness for battle.Cramps and muscle irritations are prevented by the use of the exampleauxiliary grip 1′ described herein.

As noted herein, some examples include the adjustment device 25 thatincludes fixing means via which the auxiliary grip 23 can be detachablyfixed in a resting position or in any of a plurality of operativepositions. The fixing means prevent an unintended adjustment of theauxiliary grip 23 and provide a firm and stable hold. The exampleadjustment device 25 may include a locking hole 48, fastener 49 andinterlocking, positive coupling teeth or clamping elements 45 a, 45 bthat can be fixed to each other in frictional manner.

Two profiled, in particular toothed locking plates 45 a, 45 b can serveas the fixing means, where the locking plates 45 a, 45 b are releasablyand rotatably fixed to each other via the tensioning device (e.g., thefastener 49). The toothed locking plates 49 a, 49 b facilitate an almostinfinitely variable adjustment of the example auxiliary grip 23. Otherexample fixing means 45 a, 45 b, 49, 101, 201, 301, 401, 423, 501, 110,410, 510, 55 and 57 are described throughout this patent.

The tensioning device 49 can quite simply be a screw (as describedabove). However, in other examples, the tensioning device may also beconstructed as a spring arrangement whose spring action fixes thelocking plates to each other. Some example spring arrangements aredescribed above with respect to FIGS. 8 a, 8 b, 8 c, 9, 10 a, 10 b, 11 aand 11 b. By means of releasing of the lock 101, 201, 301, 401501against the spring pressure a rapid, simple adjustment of the exampleauxiliary grip 23 is possible.

In still further examples, as described herein, the example auxiliarygrip element 23 may be adjusted and fixed in any desired operativeposition or a resting position by fixable selectively fixable/releasableball and socket joint 55. Thus, the example auxiliary grip element 23may be swiveled and rotated in a plurality of directions, whichfacilitates a very flexible adaptation of the auxiliary grip element 23to the requirements of the particular marksman/user. The auxiliary gripelement 23 may also be folded up against the weapon 7 (i.e., into theresting position noted above).

In another example, as described above, the example auxiliary gripelement 23 may be coupled to the weapon, e.g., a handgun, via theadjustment device 25 (e.g., without an intervening component like theadapter 43).

The example auxiliary grip 1 may be mounted via various fasteningdevices directly or indirectly to the weapon such as, for example, viaprofile rails, in particular Picatinny rails. The connection element oradapter 43 for coupling the example auxiliary grip 23 to the weapon 7 orto the profile rail 3 mounted to the weapon 7 may be included. Theconnection element 43 may include an engagement profile (e.g., FIG. &,components 36, 37) by which the connection element 43 is slipped ontothe profile rail 3. Such a guide 36, 37 makes possible a stable,flexible fastening and secures the respectively desired position of theauxiliary grip 1.

When fastened to a (Picatinny) profile rail 3, the rail 3 can translateconsiderable forces from the auxiliary grip 1 to the weapon 7. Also, thelocation of the auxiliary grip 1 along the longitudinal direction of theweapon 7 can be changed, so that the example auxiliary grip 1 isadaptable to the body mass, inclinations and habits of the marksman. Asa result, different marksmen can use the same weapon and optimally adaptthe weapon quickly and individually to their requirements.

Further, as described above, the example auxiliary grip 1 can be broughtinto engagement and fixed via an additional formation on the profilerail 3 with a counter-formation arranged there. The formation can, forexample, be designed as a projecting part, an attachment, a positioningpin, a set bolt or the like. The formation may be mounted in a recess 41or existing clearance in the profile rail 3 and may engage, for examplea borehole and/or a transverse slot in the Picatinny rail 3 to lock theauxiliary grip 1 in place.

Also, as described above, the auxiliary grip element 23 may include theone or more removable and interchangeable grip panel elements 31, 33 and35 that can be used for ergonomic forming and customization. The basebody or the grip base 27 of the auxiliary grip 1 can, for example beconstructed as a square-like profile and be equipped on its four sideswith interchangeable grip panel elements 31, 33 and 35. These grip panelelements 31, 33 and 35 can, for example, be slipped on horizontally orvertically and additionally be locked or screwed on via dovetailinterfaces.

The grip panel elements 31, 33 and 35 can be designed as the grip backstrap 31, grip front 33 and/or grip flank elements 35. Thus, theauxiliary grip 1 and the grip element 23 can be adapted easily,comfortably and precisely to the hand size and hand form of themarksman. With an assortment of different grip panel elements 31, 33 and35 and, thus, grip elements 23, the ergonomically optimum operativerange of the weapon can be enlarged. A grip with such grip panelelements 31, 33, 35 and, thus, grip elements 23, in particular forautomatic pistols, is described in German Patent Application DE 10 2005016020 A1, which is co-owned with this application and herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

Alternatively, only two grip flank elements 35 may be mounted. In thisexample, the half stock interface where the two grip flank elements 35meet may be located, for example, either vertically at the grip frontand rear or may run vertically to the right and left on the gripsurfaces. The grip panels 35 may be slipped on, locked into place,screwed etc. horizontally from the front and/or rear.

Alternatively the ergonomic design of the grip element 23 can also beachieved by means of a single panel. In such an example, when viewed incross-section from above, a u-shaped, one-piece grip panel is slippedonto a grip frame from the rear and locked into place, screwed or anyother suitable fastener. One example of a one-piece grip panel for smallarms is the Heckler & Koch P9S pistol.

Further the interior of the auxiliary grip 1 can be designed solid orhollow. Preferably it is designed as a hollow space 28. The hollow space28 can, for example, be sealed by a slip-on base plate or a base platethat can be installed via a lock-in position. For example, anappropriate receptacle can be pushed into the hollow space 28, thereceptacle also locks into place in the grip or locks in some other way.The hollow space 28 or receptacle can, for example, serve the purpose ofthe holding of tools, batteries, reserve ammunition, medicaments orother hardware.

Although certain example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacturehave been described herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is notlimited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all methods,apparatus and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope ofthe appended claims either literally or under the doctrine ofequivalents.

1. A grip for a firearm having an axis of a bore, the grip comprising: agrip element with a plurality of first axis operative positions thatoverhang from the firearm and which is rotatable about a first axis ofrotation substantially perpendicular to the axis of the bore to two ofthe plurality of first axis operative positions.
 2. The grip as definedin claim 1, wherein the grip element is ergonomic.
 3. The grip asdefined in claim 1, wherein the first axis of rotation runs in alongitudinal direction of the grip.
 4. The grip as defined in claim 1,further comprising an adjustment device that includes fixing element todetachably fix the grip element one of the plurality of operativepositions and/or a resting position.
 5. The grip as defined in claim 4,wherein the fixing element includes: a first locking plate with atoothed profile; a second locking plate with a tooth profile; and atensioning device to releasably couple the first locking plate and thesecond locking plate.
 6. The grip as defined in claim 5, furthercomprising a spring to bias the locking plates toward one another. 7.The grip as defined in claim 4, wherein the element includes a recessand one of a spring-biased ball, spring-biased pin or spring-biasedlever.
 8. The grip as defined in claim 4, wherein the element includes aball and socket joint.
 9. The grip as defined in claim 8, furthercomprising: a fastening element; and a pan, wherein actuation of thefastening element causes a linear movement in the pan to tighten orloosen the ball and socket joint.
 10. The grip as defined in claim 9,wherein the fastening element includes a universal joint.
 11. The gripas defined in claim 4, wherein the adjustment device couples the grip tothe firearm.
 12. The grip as defined in claim 4, wherein the adjustmentdevice includes a connection element to couple the grip to the firearm.13. The grip as defined in claim 1, wherein the grip element includes atleast one interchangeable grip panel element.
 14. The grip as defined inclaim 11, wherein the interchangeable grip panel element is one or agrip back strap, a grip front, or a grip flank element.
 15. The grip asdefined in claim 1, wherein the grip element is also rotatable about asecond axis of rotation that is not perpendicular to the axis of thebore to one of a plurality of second axis operative positions.
 16. Thegrip as defined in claim 15, wherein the grip element is releasablylockable in one of the plurality of second axis operative positions. 17.A firearm comprising: a grip including a grip element with a pluralityof first axis operative positions that overhang from the firearm andwhich is rotatable about a first axis of rotation substantiallyperpendicular to the axis of the bore to two of the plurality of firstaxis operative positions.
 18. A firearm as defined in claim 17, furthercomprising an adjustment device that includes fixing element todetachably fix the grip element one of the plurality of first axisoperative positions and/or a resting position.
 19. A firearm as definedin claim 17, wherein the grip element is also rotatable about a secondaxis of rotation that is not perpendicular to the axis of the bore toone of the plurality of second axis operative positions.
 20. A grip fora firearm having an axis of a bore, the grip comprising: a grip elementwith a plurality of operative positions that overhang from the firearmand which is rotatable about an axis of rotation that is notsubstantially perpendicular to the axis of the bore to one of theplurality of operative positions.
 21. A grip element as defined in claim20, wherein the grip element is releasably lockable in one of theplurality of operative positions.